COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to provide comprehensive graduate-level training for educators aiming to enhance curriculum development, instructional practices, and leadership in diverse educational settings. The program emphasizes progressive, research-based approaches to teaching and learning, preparing graduates for professional development, multicultural education, and curriculum reform initiatives. Students begin with core courses in fundamentals of curriculum, curriculum leadership, and research in educational services, and then select a concentration tailored to their interests, including Curriculum and Teaching Studies, English/Language Arts Education, Mathematics Education, Middle Childhood Education, Science Education, Secondary Education, and Social Studies Education. Each concentration offers a combination of required courses and electives to provide depth in specialized areas. For example, the Curriculum and Teaching Studies concentration emphasizes multicultural education, teacher education, professional development, and curriculum evaluation, while the English/Language Arts concentration focuses on reading, writing, young adult literature, and new literacies. Mathematics Education includes courses on improving instruction, teaching with technology, research, and seminars, whereas Middle Childhood Education addresses curriculum organization, teaching and learning in middle grades, early adolescence, and electives supporting diverse pedagogical strategies. Science Education examines issues and trends, research methods, culture and multiculturalism in science, and environmental education, while Social Studies Education covers teaching trends, research in social studies, technology integration, and related electives. Secondary Education addresses principles of teaching adolescents, seminar experiences, psychological foundations, curriculum methods, and subject area requirements to ensure comprehensive preparation for secondary school contexts. Across all concentrations, students engage in elective coursework guided by faculty advisors to support individual learning goals, promoting flexibility and academic exploration. The program’s structure fosters research literacy, practical teaching skills, and a deep understanding of curriculum theory and practice. By integrating core knowledge, specialized coursework, and elective choices, graduates are equipped to lead in classrooms, educational institutions, and broader community settings, contributing to innovative teaching, policy analysis, and curricular advancements. The minimum total credit hours for the program range from 30 to 31, with concentration-specific requirements ensuring mastery in chosen educational disciplines and readiness for leadership roles in diverse educational environments.